Lyrid meteor shower visibility India date & time: When and where to watch shooting stars in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and other cities

The Lyrid meteor shower is set to peak this week, giving skywatchers across India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, a chance to spot bright shooting stars in the early morning hours. As reported by Space.com, this year’s conditions are expected to be favourable, with darker skies after midnight improving visibility during peak viewing time.

When to watch the Lyrid meteor shower in India

The best time to catch the Lyrids in India is after midnight until pre-dawn, when the sky is darkest and the meteor activity increases. Experts suggest waking up early, as the chances of spotting meteors are highest in the hours before sunrise.

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This year, the moon is expected to set after midnight, reducing brightness in the sky and making it easier to see even faint meteors.

Lyrid meteor shower: Where to look

The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, which rises in the northeastern sky and climbs higher as the night progresses. This makes it visible from most parts of India, including cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

To locate Lyra, find Vega, one of the brightest stars visible during this time of year. Vega rises shortly after sunset and becomes more prominent overnight.

Lyrid Meteor Shower: Best viewing time

• Start: Around 11:30 PM – 12:00 AM
• Peak window: 2:30 AM – 5:00 AM
• Best moment: Just before dawn (darkest skies after moonset)

Lyrid Meteor Shower: City-wise timing and conditions

New Delhi

• Best time: 2:30 AM – 5:00 AM
• Condition: Moderate visibility; better from outskirts like Gurugram edges or Noida extension due to lower light pollution

Mumbai

• Best time: 2:30 AM – 5:00 AM
• Condition: Coastal humidity and city lights may reduce visibility; try Navi Mumbai outskirts or beaches away from crowds

Bengaluru

• Best time: 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM
• Condition: Slightly better skies; outskirts like Nandi Hills region offer clearer views

Chennai

• Best time: 2:30 AM – 5:00 AM
• Condition: Coastal haze may affect clarity; open beaches help

Kolkata

• Best time: 2:30 AM – 5:00 AM
• Condition: Humidity + urban lights; visibility improves outside city limits

Hyderabad

• Best time: 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM
• Condition: Relatively clearer skies compared to coastal cities

Pune

• Best time: 2:00 AM – 5:00 AM
• Condition: Good viewing potential, especially on outskirts

Don’t focus only on one point

While the meteors appear to originate from Lyra, experts advise not to look directly at it. Shooting stars often leave longer, brighter trails in other parts of the sky.

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Keeping a wider field of view and scanning the sky can significantly improve your chances of spotting multiple meteors.

What viewers can expect

Under clear and dark conditions, the Lyrid meteor shower can produce around 15 to 20 meteors per hour. However, actual sightings may vary depending on light pollution and weather conditions in each city.

Cities like Delhi and Mumbai may have reduced visibility due to urban lights, while outskirts and less crowded areas can offer better viewing opportunities.

Tips for better viewing

To improve your chances of catching the meteor shower, move away from bright city lights and choose open spaces like fields or terraces with a clear view of the sky.

Look slightly away from Lyra to see longer streaks, and allow your eyes at least 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Avoid using mobile phones during this time, as screen light can affect night vision.

Patience is key, spending more time under the open sky increases the likelihood of spotting more shooting stars.